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PLDT prepares for PVL redemption: retools for a championship run following Japan training.

With a refined system, a stint in Japan, and a key roster addition, the High Speed Hitters are moving with a level of intent that should put the rest of the league on notice

With the new year and season, the PLDT High Speed Hitters have a significant new opportunity to demonstrate they belong at the top.

Following their fourth-place finish in the last conference, the High Speed Hitters aim not just to participate in the upcoming Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference but to restore their champion identity. They plan to do so with a commanding sweep against the multi-titlist Creamline Cool Smashers, followed by a four-set win over the Bella Belen-led Capital1 Solar Spikers.

Fueling the fire

For the High Speed Hitters, nearly reaching the podium last year wasn’t a failure; it served as a wake-up call.

“Last season was very challenging,” said Coach Rald Ricafort. “Even though we didn’t reach our final goal, the team learned a lot. We are working hard this pre-season to improve and hopefully reach our goal again this conference.”

Team captain Kath Arado shares this view, mentioning that the team’s eagerness to recover is clearly evident among all members.

“Gustong makabawi ulit. Tingin ko, ito pa din yung mindset ng bawat isa samin especially naging maganda yung training namin sa Japan at maraming kaming bagong natutunan individually and as a team,” she shared. “Tinitignan namin na one game at a time dahil halos lahat ng team ay lumakas.”

The Japan connection

To ready themselves for the demands of the All-Filipino Conference, the High Speed Hitters traveled to Japan for training. The experience went beyond physical conditioning, serving as a masterclass in the “Japanese way”—emphasizing speed, discipline, and perfect fundamentals.

“Philippine volleyball still has a long way to go,” Coach Rald observed. “We saw kids from elementary to college having the same consistency and discipline that we aim to adopt. We want to play smart and be as mentally resilient as possible.”

The trip reminded the players that success isn’t solely based on strength but also requires patience.

“Lagi itong nagiging paalala,” added Arado. “Maraming pagkakataon na din kasi na sa kagustuhan namin matapos na yung game at makabawi agad, mas nahihirapan pa kami instead na mas makuha yung panalo. Ako as a captain, dapat sakin magsimula na wag madaliin ang paglalaro. Na dapat kami yung mag-set ng tempo na familiar kami at makakapag-execute ng maayos na play.”

A new edge in the middle

The excitement grows with the addition of middle blocker Seth Rodriguez. A former teammate of Arado at the University of the East, Rodriguez offers the team the combination of height and energetic play it needs, particularly as key players like Dell Palomata play abroad.

“I think my optimism and my ‘pagiging palaban’ (competitiveness) yung madadala ko sa team,” Rodriguez says of her transition. “Andun pa po ako sa adjustment stage, trying to keep up sa solid na system ng team. But my teammates always help me and they make sure na makasabay po ako sa system na meron sila.”

Arado is confident that her old friend will be a pillar for PLDT. “Yung blockings niya siguro talaga yung sasandalan namin tsaka yung competitiveness niya sa court na ‘pag nabigyan siya ng pagkakataon, ibibigay niya yung 100% niya para makatulong sa team.”

Due to this and the training experience in Japan, fans shouldn’t anticipate the usual High Speed Hitters. This iteration of PLDT focuses on being more technical, disciplined, and notably quicker.

“Hopefully, fans will notice a more technical approach in terms of executing skills,” Ricafort says. “We aim to play consistent, smart, and resilient volleyball.”

For Rodriguez, the message to the supporters is simple: “PLDT fans, thank you sa pagtanggap sakin. Please continue to support us lalo na sa mga upcoming games namin this season.”

As the PVL All-Filipino Conference heats up, the PLDT High Speed Hitters are not only competing for points but also seeking redemption. With their namesake’s swift pace, they are determined to claim the championship. 

Catch every moment of the PLDT High Speed Hitters’ journey in the ongoing PVL All-Filipino Conference by following them on Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok to stay connected to the action. For the best experience, stream games in HD via PLDT Home’s high-speed fiber internet.

Photos courtesy of PVL

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PLDT prepares for PVL redemption: retools for a championship run following Japan training.

Melo Villareal

Out of Town Blog

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